Four payers have solidified their virtual care policies as a result of the pandemic’s increased telehealth usage. Here are a few things you should know about Aetna, Anthem, Cigna, and Blue Cross Blue Shield’s recent telehealth and digital health efforts.
- Anthem: Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield is teaming up with Boulder Care to expand its telehealth addiction treatment network across the state of Ohio. Boulder Care’s digital therapy for substance use disorders, which promotes a value-based care paradigm, is now available to Anthem’s Ohio employer-based, individual, and Medicare Advantage plan members.
- Aetna: Texas Health Aetna has agreed to renew its contract with CirrusMD, a telemedicine provider based in Denver, for another three years. CirrusMD’s 24/7 digital care tool is now available to Texas Health Aetna subscribers.
- CVS Health: Aetna, a CVS Health company, launched its new Teladoc Health-powered virtual primary care service for self-funded enterprises. Members of Aetna receive virtual communications and telehealth access to physicians and a nurse care team, including in-app text messaging or phone calls before and after visits.
- BCBS: Blue Shield of California teamed with Walgreens to increase healthcare access and provide care by using digital counselors to do in-home tests, locate health goods, and fill out health-related applications. A virtual care delivery model was established by CareFirst of Maryland, a Blue Cross Blue Shield affiliate, that allows payer members to obtain preventive care, urgent care, and behavioral healthcare through a mobile app.
- Cigna: Cigna and the New York-based Oscar Health worked with several of the payers’ joint plans to bring Oscar virtual primary care to its members. The concept allows primary care physicians to have unlimited virtual appointments with no copays, as well as access to lab and specialist visits when a primary care physician recommends them.